George Washington’s mother taught him that it was not enough to have big dreams, but you had to do something about them. Accomplish things. Early in his life young George wanted to become a sailor, like his brother Lawrence before him. His mother, though, discouraged him.

But George did join his brother on what became George’s only trip outside of the American Continent. Lawrence had contracted tuberculosis. His doctor suggested that Lawrence should go to the West Indies and rest in that humid and warm client. George went with him.

Lawrence didn’t improve, and died after they had returned home. This was George’s only trip outside of the continent. Lawrence didn’t get better and George caught a different disease on their trip. Smallpox.

This was in effect a blessing for George. Why? Because one of the greatest causes of death among the soldiers in the Revolutionary War was smallpox. George was immunized. Perhaps that trip saved his life!

George went on to accomplish many great things in his life. Some he had never even dreamed about.